Church issues Swine Flu advice

Friday August 7th 2009

In light of the Swine Fly pandemic, Church of Ireland Archbishops and Bishops have drawn up interim advice notes for clergy and parishes.

The full advice information can be downloaded here.

The notes advise parishes to take the matter seriously but proportionately, and indicate that people with flu-like symptoms should not attend church until they are better. The notes also indicate that people can receive Holy Communion in one kind only (ie declining the chalice/common cup) if they so wish.

The advice has been circulated to all clergy in Connor Diocese by the Bishop of Connor.

The document draws clergy's attention to the publication by the UK Department of Communities and Local Government of Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu: Guidance for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees which can be found here.